Used 2008 Toyota Highlander Consumer Reviews
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Love my 2008 Highlander
Kris Modisette, 04/30/2015
2008 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
59 of 61 people found this review helpful
Purchased when it had 32,000 miles on it. Now it has 153,000 miles. I've only replaced tires at $900 twice, changed the oil regularly, and so far I've never had to put it in the shop for repairs. We change the battery and brake pads, just maintenance. It's going to get a tune up tomorrow, and I hope it improves the gas mileage. For now city 19, and highway 21 to 23. Also, pulling the boat it gets 16 mpg, but it pulls very well. I hope it keeps up with reliability because I have yet to find anything else I like as well as my Highlander.
Reliable Car now Maintenance
Kelly, 08/16/2017
updated 02/20/2018
2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
34 of 35 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car brand new in 2008. I am now having issues with it in 2017. So, it has been a good car. I have the base model, so nothing is fancy and the interior is okay. The last year I have had several things go wrong, which could be because the car has 179K miles. The radio is going out(volume and tuner both will go up and down radically when I turn it up or down, sometimes when I turn it down it will turn all the way up to MAX volume) I'm less than thrilled that this is happening. And some days the display doesn't show the radio station, etc it blanks out. I have replaced the alternator and sensor within the last 6 months. Come to find out this car has 4 sensors, so the testing is a bit pricey. Luckily I have a local mechanic that works on this car. I couldn't afford the dealership prices at this time. $100/hr is nuts, by the way! And my car didn't start the other day after I got home, so I'm thinking another sensor is getting ready to go out. I have even changed to Super & Premium gas to help the sensors last long(mechanic's advice). I'm not currently happy that it may be not reliable and it sounds like my ball joint is going to need work as well. All and all the car has been great and traveled a many of miles. But I need this car to last another couple years! Update: 2018 - I have replaced my radio and that has been wonderful. Now I have hands free calling, etc. It hasn't died on me lately(fingers crossed). It has been an all around great car with now 187K miles.
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Best.Vehicle.Ever
Lindy G, 06/27/2019
2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
28 of 29 people found this review helpful
Bought my 2008 Highlander new in November of 2007. It now has 335,000 miles and has never missed a beat. Oil change every 5000 miles and regular maintenance. Two moderately big repairs (costly mostly because of labor) of around $1000. Not bad for 12 years. I plan to keep it as long as I can and then buy another. By far the best vehicle I have ever owned. Love, love, love it.
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Good Choice
whasp18, 04/01/2012
2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
36 of 38 people found this review helpful
After researching a "family" vehicle purchase for over two months, I eventually decided on a used 2008 Toyota Highlander, 7 passenger - FWD V6. I test drove all the 2012 Dodge, Chevy, Ford alternatives. I decided on a used Highlander for the price point & TCO. No buyers remorse currently. On my first long trip I decided to test out MPG's. Half the trip I drove interstate, 75-80 MPH; MPG were between 20-21, I was disappointed. On my return trip I took an alternate route & drove 60-70 MPH; MPG were between 28-29, I was impressed. I chose a FWD in anticipation of better MPG. Power and performance of the V6 engine is great. If you can adjust your driving style, you can get 2012 MPG in a 2008.
Absolutely love this crossover!
Joe D., 12/26/2019
2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Just purchased this beautiful Highlander Sport model 4WD In pristine condition. The ride is so quiet and comfortable. It handles so well. Amazing visibility all the way around. I cant say enough! Highly recommend this Japanese crossover to anyone. We tried about 7 other makes,nothing like the Highlander Toyota really did an excellent job on this one. God Bless.
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Great SUV ---watch out for rubber oil cooler lines
Steve, 05/06/2016
2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
Love this SUV...80k miles never a problem- until this weekend...rubber hose that goes to the oil cooler if you have tow package broke. Oil light came on. Almost all the oil leaked out. Thankfully no engine damage. Turns out there is an extended warranty on this part. Have it changed before it breaks. That is the only problem I've had with this SUV in 8 years. Reliability is the most important thing to me and if I knew this part was a problem I would have fixed it before it went. Still, I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.
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I'm Going to keep it (I Think)
Jim Johnson, 02/14/2020
updated 08/18/2023
2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
This car has done yeoman service without a whimper. Just had excellent service for 80,000 mile point at Haley Toyota in Roanoke VA. Will turn 84 this year and starting to weigh the wisdom of purchasing a new automobile. This one will serve until my driving is no longer a wise thing. Bought brand new in 2008, been smiling ever since. Update: On 13 July, 2022 my loyal 2008 Highlander Sport was given to Haley Toyota as part of the deal on a brand new Toyota Venza XLE Hybrid. Driving the Hybrid home was a 14-year leap in tech difference that will take some getting used to. The infotainment GPS nav system in the Sport gave up the ghost after a battery failure. They said it was supposed to reset after a battery failure but wouldn't reset. $3000 to make things right again, I couldn't see it as worth it on a 14-year-old car even though it had just turned 86K on the odometer. So far, the Venza has been excellent, and my wife is ecstatic about it. All the safety features somewhat reduce the concerns of still driving at our ages. But it has a learning curve we are still working on. The sports did driven GS nav system is now my cell phone which talks to and displays on the Venza's screen Google maps navigation. Times have changed. ow it's Android Auto.
2008 and newer highlander V6 engine issues
gobubba, 04/09/2012
2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
91 of 106 people found this review helpful
All V6 2008 and newer highlanders will develop piston slap according to the dealer and factory rep I talked to. It causes the engine to sound like a diesel for the first 10minutes of driving. The dealership could not fix the issue and bought our vehicle back. I'm writing this to help educate people about this and hopefully save someone from making the same mistake I did, purchasing a certified highlander....
great until hidden costs get you...
4inthecar, 02/23/2011
2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
40 of 46 people found this review helpful
many have noted the tire issue - i had to order mine online and have them delivered to my home - $952. then i had to take them to a tire shop and pay to have them mounted. NEW shocker - at 63k miles and 3 years of age, my water pump died. the dealer says 3 days labor - 24 hours @ $90 hr + the part, $2400 more or less. supposedly they have to drop the engine and the transmission to get to the water pump on the side of the engine. NOT acceptable TOYOTA! what a worthless design. had i seen this coming i would not have bought the car and would have stuck with honda. my honda element has 240k - and only rountine service. the locks are wearing out - but not the engine...
High on Toyota Highlander!
Deb, 09/04/2018
2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Reliable, safe and good-looking ride! No major problems in the 8 years I've owned the vehicle. Only gripe I have with the 2008 Toyota Highlander is the sun visor - online posting is right when it says they easily "wear out" and way too costly to replace, so my husband fashioned a clip to keep it up near the roof when not in use.
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